Introduction
Charles Kaighn was born on June 30, 1806, the great-grandson of John Kaighn, the first settler at Kaighn’s Point. He was active throughout his life in Camden’s civic and political affairs, serving on City Council, the township committee, and the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
In 1845, Kaighn was elected mayor by the City Council after Richard W. Howell, who had won the election, refused to serve.
The 1850 census shows Kaighn living on the family farm in Camden’s South Ward with his wife Mary and their children: William, Anna, Robert, Emily, Mary, Joseph, and Sarah.
Kaighn later moved to Philadelphia but remained active in local affairs. He was serving as secretary of the Camden Gas Light Company when he died on February 19, 1868.
Portrait
Portrait from “The History of Camden County New Jersey” by George Reeser Prowell, 1886.